Iraqi Kurdish President Massoud Barzani gave his strongest-ever indication on Monday that his region would seek formal independence from the rest of Iraq.

“Iraq is obviously falling apart,” he told CNN's Christiane Amanpour in an exclusive interview. “And it’s obvious that the federal or central government has lost control over everything. Everything is collapsing – the army, the troops, the police.”

“We did not cause the collapse of Iraq. It is others who did. And we cannot remain hostages for the unknown,” he said through an interpreter.

“The time is here for the Kurdistan people to determine their future and the decision of the people is what we are going to uphold.”

Iraqi Kurdish independence has long been a goal, and the region has had autonomy from Baghdad for more than two decades, but they have never before said they would actually pursue that dream.

But the latest crisis, in which Sunni extremists have captured a large swath of Iraqi territory on the border of Iraqi Kurdistan, seems to have pushed the Kurds over the edge.

“Now we are living [in] a new Iraq, which is different completely from the Iraq that we always knew, the Iraq that we lived in ten days or two weeks ago.”

“After the recent events in Iraq, it has been proved that the Kurdish people should seize the opportunity now – the Kurdistan people should now determine their future.”

Barzani said that he would make that case to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry when they meet in Erbil Tuesday; America is a close Kurdish ally, but opposes independence for the region.

“I will ask him, ‘How long shall the Kurdish people remain like this?’ The Kurdish people is the one who is supposed to determine their destiny and no one else.”

Fractious relations with Baghdad

A reconciliation, Barzani said, could be possible “if there was understanding between Shias and Sunnis, and if there is a guarantee of a true partnership in the authority.”

“But the situation has been very complicated. And the one who’s responsible for what happened must step down.”

Amanpour asked if Barzani meant Prime Minister al-Maliki.

“Of course. He is the general commander of the army. He builds the army on the ground of personal loyalty to him, not loyalty to the whole country. And he monopolizes authority and power. He led the military, and this is the result.”

Iraqi Kurdistan has long had a fractious relationship with Baghdad; the region has had autonomy from the rest of Iraq for more than two decades.

Kurdistan even has its own military forces, the Peshmerga, which are now busy fighting ISIS extremists; next to the Iraqi military, which has looked awkward and unprofessional defending the country, the Peshmerga seems remarkably skilled.

“The prime minister has not asked us. On the contrary, he rejected every offer to assist.”

Indeed, Barzani said, he warned al-Maliki about the impending ISIS threat long before they toppled the major Iraqi city of Mosul, near the Iraqi Kurdish border.

“I did warn Mr. Prime Minister not only a couple of days, but a few months before the fall of Mosul. I did warn him but he did not take the warning seriously. And I have many witnesses to that effect that I did warn him.”

Not everything that has happened, he told Amanpour, was done by ISIS; but because the extremists have the organization and the resources, they are seizing upon general discontent with al-Maliki.

“People in those areas found that the opportunity was there to revolt against that wrongful policy.”

“That is the public anger. And it’s important to distinguish between what are legitimate rights and what terrorists are trying to accomplish.”

The United States, ‘a true friend’

Iraqi Kurdistan and the United States have a close relationship, cemented by the American no-fly zone enforced over the region during the 1990s to protect the Kurds from Saddam Hussein.

When Barzani meets with Secretary of State Kerry on Tuesday, he will no doubt be hoping that that relationship – and America’s investment in Iraqi Kurdistan – will help convince Kerry of the need for independence.

“The United States has been a true friend and we Kurds have shown that we deserve that friendship.”

“The success of the region of Kurdistan was the only success that resulted from American policies.”

“And the United States has given opportunity to all Iraqis to build a modern, democratic state; pluralistic state; federal state. But, unfortunately, the others were not able to seize the same opportunity.”

Amanpour asked Barzani whether he thought the 300 military advisers the U.S. is sending to Iraq “can change the balance of power on the ground?”

“I do not believe so. I do not believe that this will change the balance of power. And this issue cannot be resolved by military means.”

“It’s a political issue that has to be dealt with politically. And after that, a military resolution can be easier to accomplish if there was a political agreement and political power.”

An uncertain future for Kirkuk

In defending Iraqi Kurdistan from ISIS, Barzani may also have seized on an opportunity. The Peshmerga have recently taken control of Kirkuk, an oil-rich region that the Kurds consider to be an integral part of their territory.

“We never had any doubt at any time that Kirkuk is part of Kurdistan,” he said.

The Iraqi constitution sets out a very specific process whereby the future of Kirkuk – whether in Kurdistan or the rest of the country – should be determined, involving a census of the area and then a referendum.

“For the last ten years, we have been waiting to have that article applied, but we haven’t seen any seriousness from the central government. And since we have new developments in Iraq now, this is what brought about the new situation with Kirkuk coming back to Kurdistan.”

“We haven’t done this referendum yet, but we will do and we will respect the opinion of the citizens even if they refuse to have Kurdistan as an independent state.”

Life’s work

“Do you feel,” Amanpour asked, “that your life’s work is about to be accomplished?”

soundoff(183 Responses)

kawan

Absolutely that is right this is the time for our nation to decide and show to every body they do not have right what so ever to decide for US , we suffer a lot , so no need for Kerry or obama to repeat what they want is united IRAQ , they have no idea what we suffer every day for long time , they should criticize those divided KURDISTAN in 1922 , 1923 , KURDISTAN is the land of KURD only , be car full dont make us angry any more

I wish you the best in finally having a country of your own. It seems like there is a large population in your area which has been ready to form a modern nation for a long time, but have been denied that chance by bad external influences (both near and far).

When Bush got rid of Saddam, the various parts of Iraq should have been given the choice to decide if they wanted to join the "New Iraq" rather than being told they had to be part of it. The early states of the U.S. had that option when we formed a republic.

you'r completely right and I could blame all this to the united states in the first place and that's beside nouri almaliki
who comes next. that was the goal of united states when they invaded Iraq either to bring a loyalist government or to divide Iraq in many smaller pieces to have more control on their oil

June 24, 2014 at 2:30 am |

jenneva

irresponsible comments

June 24, 2014 at 3:40 am |

Adam

mate you should know the facts from fiction Iraq Kurdistan has been practically been independent(country inside another country if you like ) since 2003

June 24, 2014 at 7:34 am |

hozan

you are an ignorant person. Kurdistan can manage a lot more than this. We will get all FOUR parts of Kurdistan back soon 🙂 give us some time, you will see

June 24, 2014 at 10:35 am |

The Truth

@Hozan

REally?

So when will kurd on krud racism stop

Just a few days ago you could read how iraqi kurds were discriminating against Syrian kurds forcing them into prositutio0n and calling them vermin

June 24, 2014 at 11:42 am |

hozan

the truth, probably someone who really hates the Kurds wrote that story. one thing that we (KURDS) have is self-respect, that's every Kurd. Just keep that in mind, despite what the negativity the media presents to people like yourself.

June 24, 2014 at 12:03 pm |

The Truth

@Horzan

No no, it is the truth and I understand that it hurts, kurd on kurd racism IS real, and it will be very difficult to unite all of the kurds if it does not stop

Also the nr2 problem is the discrimination against women, which is in almost all muslim countries

"We were told by a Kurdish man here that women have no value... women are treated more or less as objects for men to use for their own needs, which is why it’s all right to kill them when they step out of line from their role as subordinates"

These 3 problems are the 3 BIG problems that will make it very hard to form a functioning country

June 24, 2014 at 12:58 pm |

hozan

The Truth, I know you have articles to back up your stupid theory, but please understand that articles and what the media presents can be false. its sad how the media makes it sound so bad, maybe you should live in it so you can better understanding of what really is the truth. Women are respected in Kurdistan. get this through your head.

June 24, 2014 at 1:33 pm |

hozan

The Truth, thanks for calling me HORZAN. this really shows what an ignorant person you are. Peace out. dont need to spend my time explaining to idiots like yourself.

June 24, 2014 at 1:40 pm |

The Truth

@Hozan

I added the R by mistake no idea if the word means anything

However the kurd on kurd racism is real, you can read the article or you can just stick your fingers in your ears and pretend it is raining

The article is real, the racism is real, and it needs to be fixed

Denying it is also a huge problem.

I am actually helping you here and you get angry

So problem number 4 is then of course, the denial of any problems

So those 4 problems need to be fixed

June 24, 2014 at 3:40 pm |

Jiyan

Unfortunately The Truth is telling the truth. And this is coming from a Kurd. He is right about the 4 (especially the first 3) problems that Kurdistan has. But nonetheless.. that does not keep a State from forming itself into a formal country. Those four problems and a lot more, are a fact in lots of (islamic) countries.
Anyhow addressing these problems and working on them will help us become a united and thus successful formal country.

Bji Kurd u Kurdistan

June 25, 2014 at 12:20 pm |

jenneva

what you said, is what I was thinking the whole time I read the article...it is not for Kerry to say, it is for YOU to say..we cannot object to what you have won the right to have and that includes the oil field..curiously, a week or so ago, I wrote on the yahoo site that they should divide up Iraq into 3 areas and LET THE KURDS LEAD..you are seen as sane and responsible mediators and I also said it would greatly please me to see the Kurds get their own land after that monster gassed your people...RUN with it.......said by an American who lives in Arizona..

Kurds have been deprived their natural right of having their own independent state by regional and colonial powers for a century. They possess all the qualification needed to form of a nation-state. The intdernational support for Kurdistan independence is an action in the right way which enhances stability and democracy in the Middle East. Kurds history is just a collection of struggle against tyrans, dictators and extremists in Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Syria.
International community should welcome and fully support this going to born state.

Apo is the mastermind of killing up to 40.000 Turks. His sentence shall be capital punishment and done with it once and forever. Don't preach a wrong message to the West as they know better what's a punishment for a man who kills and this one exceeded expectations on his killing sprees.

June 24, 2014 at 2:39 am |

jullxx

YOU MEAN BABY KILLER APO- OCALAN WHOM KILLED THOUSAND OF BABIES AND THOUSANDS YOUNG AND INNOCENT PEOPLE IN TURKIYE ???? REALLY????

June 25, 2014 at 4:24 pm |

jullxx

OCALAN THIS BABY KILLER WHOM RESPONSIBLE FOR THOUSANDS OF BABIES KILLING APR. 45.000 PEOPLE......IN JAIL AND WE ARE FEEDING HIM OUR TAXES IN THE FIVE STARS HOTEL A LIKE JAIL......PLS...ANSWER ME.....WHAT DO YOU DO SOMEONE KILLED THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE INCLUDING BABIES IN USA ????? PLS.. TELL ME ???? DO YOU KILL HIM???? BUT TURKISH GOVERMENT WILL FREE HIM SOON FOR NEW COMMITMENT TO NEW BABY MURDERS???? F***?? THE OCALAN THE BABY KILLER...

I whole heartedly, agree with you regarding the giving of independence to Kurdistan. The British had been enlightened enough to allow for the determination of free choice for Scotland. The Canadians have been magnanimous enough to grant Quebec free choice. The Malaysians were equally wise enough to grant independence to Singapore. Some have prospered under free choice. Until the day, we realise that we are all the same regardless of race, religion, religious sect or creed and learn to live like humans, such arrangements of divisions through free choice would have to be made.

Bro....You Kurds DESERVE the best...you have taken the worst...having been on the Ground there in Iraq! My wish is that you achieve this goal!! I would welcome Kurdistan You Folks ROCK!! From a US Veteran.....busted up but I care!!

I don't think Prime Minister Maliki is innocent about the evil called sectarianism. He has been retreating for a time now as sectarianism by him did not come overnight. It guarantees him of a solid mass support. But it also unites the other side. So, if a sectarian war happens it is a war of attrition, probably without end, that lies ahead.

But a war of attrition can sometimes come to a stalemate. If its about running off with a part of a territory as in cessation then it serves the end. In this case it might break Iraq apart in apparently two or even more more parts. ISIS wins.

meet at the table and agree to parcel it out...guarantee safe passage from area to area by a joint security force...agree to disagree..hell, make 3 countries..it would solve a lot..giving oil to each...like Europe, share joint concerns with a council..there is history for being able to do this in other areas..meet as PEOPLE..not enemies.

This is our right and we deserve it, we'll not asking IRAQ, USA or any country to give us, we'll get it since we have tried much and sacrificing thousand of Kurdish people on the way of KURDISTAN freedom.

U.S. to intervene in there by force will only make it and Maliki look like a circus. Sell them arms and heavy weapons if that is what they believe will make them win. It's called simple professional business.

As far as I know, he is not trying to invade other areas, murder people, and force them to accept his religion. He only wants to be free of backward dictators who do those things.

June 23, 2014 at 6:45 pm |

amarjeet

It is sad that Kurd President should think of getting away from Iraq because of militancy. Good should never quit and quitting a country is a greatest blunder. Good should spread by all human tools, ingenuity and intellectual gravity message of coexistence, prosperity and freedom of religious practices. If elements of militancy develop in Kurd after independence then again he will face same historical issues as all humans are different, independent and diverging in nature, character and morals made worse by religious Mullahs.

The Kurds history was a little bit better than the persians history until the WW1. The persians had been ruled by arabs, turks and kurds for more than thousand years but the difference is that the british liberated the persians from the turkish Qajar rulers during WW1 and established a new country with name Iran and installed Reza shah as the first ethnic persian ruler since more than thousand years. But the same british people divided Kurdistan into four parts according to the evil sykes picot agreement between Britain and France 1916, and bombed their cities and used chemical weapons against them, the british simply destroyed the life of the whole Kurdish nation and now it's time to put end to the evil Sykes Picot agreement and declare Kurdistan as an independent state.

Just for your information. Kurds are one of the Persian tribes called Medes. Even nowadays, if you go to Kurdistan, they call themselves son of the Medes. I don't want even waste my time to explain the Persian history. Just go read some history and the write about PERSIAN history. I'm saying this as an archaeologist and historian.

Yalda
We Kurds are much older than Medes and you Persians as the landlords of Zagros (Kurdistan), of course Medes and Persian were different peoples. As an archeologist and historian it seems that your knowledge is wrong and out of date. Look at this: http://www.czap.org/
یلدا، دیگه‌ گوش دنیا از این جوکهای شما پر شده‌، چیزی نه‌گی سنگینتری 😀

June 24, 2014 at 6:34 pm |

jullxx

NO KURDISH COUNTRY:)))))) NO KURDISH WAR :))))) IS SOMEONE KNEW SOME WAR BETWEEN KURDS IN THE HISTORY :))))))) NOO :))) SO :)))) NO KURDISH PEOPLE :))))))) SORRY :)))))))

June 25, 2014 at 5:07 pm |

jullxx

OHH MY LORD.....OH REALLYY ??? ARE THERE KURDS IN THE HISTORY ????? WHICH COUNTRY :)))))) THERE IS NO EVEN KURDS HISTORY :)))))) NO KURD LANGUAGE :))))))) NO ANY KURD ART :)))))))) ANYONE SEE ANY KURD ART :))))))))) SORRY AWAKE AND SHAKE & GIVE UP MAKING FAKE HISTORY :))))))) NO KURDS IN THE HISTORY :))))))))

Indeed, this is the time for Kurdistan people to decide their future.
Obviously it will be fully independent state. The sooner it’s declared the better. USA and the western powers should avoid any non-sense unity for Iraq, it won’t work!
Iraq has never been united because it was established by France/UK without considering the differences between different factions in Iraq including Kurds and Arabs (Sunnis and Shias).
Civil has just started in Iraq. Although on many occasions Kurdish has been targeted to take sides with Shias/Sunnis but they have kept themselves neutral.
USA knows very well that Iraqi people cannot live together, this is fact. So it is time for USA to get it right and won’t full itself anymore.
The people of Kurdistan are behind President Barzani and everyone wants self-determination.

Who do you try to 'shut up'? You don't kill my people(40.000) and then come up on this forum and try to shut people up in your ecstasy mixed with delirium. You talk and I talk too.

June 24, 2014 at 3:00 am |

jenneva

this is to aqua below when there is not tab to respond..I think all the comments are referring to flexxilicious not knowing any kurd history and saying they will implode and do worse..no one agrees..

June 24, 2014 at 3:55 am |

hozan

Aqua, why don't you talk about how many Kurdish people get murdered every single day for no reason in Turkey? why are you responding to all the comments by saying the exact same thing? I know you are having a hard time accepting the fact that KURDISTAN will soon be a country, and your approached to this is to make up events that never happen just to bring us down. its better for you to "shut up". Thank you 🙂 🙂 we will soon celebrate our independence tilililili tilililili 🙂 🙂

Go tell one of your 9889 cousins to get my gas ready you desert monkey. This can be done after they arrange a marriage between your sister and her cousin, you inbreeding, half Iranian half Arabic mongrels. Its a nice day here in Washington DC, we got more than enough arabs and your stinky Persian kind here, so please go form your own country and when you are done with that take all your inbred family members with you, wait not all leave HASSAN I need him to pump my gas. Unreal,like arabs weren't enough now we got another no name minority called the Kurds popping up, next week it will be the turds, or something equally retarded, we need to get out of this hell hole and let these Persian and Arabian inbred mongrels wipe each other out. Freaking Kurds gimme a break

June 23, 2014 at 5:13 pm |

Enkiu

You picked it PERFECTLY correct my friend. It is a Turk LOL ALL the best to Kurdistan, I did not think I would see it in my lifetime, and am happy that things change quickly in mysterious ways.

The western countries must support and respect the Kurdish people decision.No forget that the Kurdish people have suffered a lot due to their decision in this region.It will be also in their interest that the Kurds bring stability and have strong force against jihaddist.

No we don't. How about you half arab half Persian mongrels do your own work for once in your worthless, pathetic history. Or go cry to your inbred Iranian cousins for help, kurds are worse than arabs which is quite an amazing feat.

Daamn arent you an angry and jealous little assyrian. Now watch and weep as we (Kurds) liberate Kurdistan: the homeland of the 5000 year old Kurdish nation (see The Origin of the Kurds by Kurdologist Ferdinand Hennerbichler).

I am an Assyrian but respect to the Kurds for their ambition and achievement. I am not against the Kurd's right to self-determination. However, I hope that the Kurds will also remember and recognize the right to self-determination of the indigenous people of northern Iraq also – the Assyrians.

June 23, 2014 at 5:43 pm |

Kur10

It seems the presidents word hit you hard.

You shall watch when we have a independent Kurdistan. Nothing can stop us to declare an idependent kurdistan.

So keep on hating the kurds, a**hole

June 23, 2014 at 5:55 pm |

Enkiu

Nineveh, the Assyrians are too few and too spread out to have a separate country. One way ahead is to support the Kurds in return for full rights for Assyrians within a Kurdistan... this assumes that the Kurds behave and respect ALL others, including Christians and Assyrians... respect not just in words but in actions. This will be the test for Kurdistan: support for the freedoms of other groups and not just Kurds.

June 23, 2014 at 7:39 pm |

jenneva

enkiu...that very inclusiveness is what Baghdad did NOT do well and distinguishes the Kurds in that they do ...and the including the Assyrians would be a very good step..like our cultures in the US, the minorities, are included in all of life here in the US...I have to say..there is only one objectionable person on here and the rest of the comments are of thoughtful intelligent discourse..how refreshing and a change of pace from yahoo news..its a mess..but here, I can have a real conversation , even of different opinions, about actual truths and hopes and dreams...love it..

June 24, 2014 at 4:04 am |

Dashty(Kurdistan)

Who the hell are you to judge and say bad things about Kurds?! you know nothing hopefully we will declare our independence and then you can say what ever you like, no one will listen to you hehehe 🙂

Enkiu, the reason Assyrians are few now is because of the continued persecutions they have endured in their own country from numerous ruling powers from the ancient Persians to the present day. What guarantees do they have that life would be different under Kurdish rule, and if their rights are not protected, would you subsequently agree that self-determination is right? Some of the most prosperous countries in the world are small countries, so I don't think having a small population is an issue.

June 24, 2014 at 8:35 am |

hozan

Flexxolicious, you are an angry person. you're such a loser, only hating on people. we deserve to have our Country back! go take a hike you jealous person.

Biji Kurdu Kurdistan!!!!! tililili

June 24, 2014 at 11:16 am |

Reza

Flexxolicious
I don't know who you are and why you hate Kurds but I just want to tell you and your clan that we are the native owners of Kurdistan and we're going to be so. For thousands of years different brutal clans have attacked our rich land and done their best to uproot us but they all failed as you see. So the time has come for us once again to create a new and advanced civilization continuing the path of our ancestors. http://www.czap.org/

June 24, 2014 at 7:01 pm |

Oleksa Rusyn

I hope the Kurdish people also manage to add Mosul to their lands and eventually reunite all Kurdish lands within one independent state.

funny and I don't think he realizes that people are laughing AT him, not with him..

June 24, 2014 at 4:06 am |

hozan

lol aweeee, hes like a lost child that everyone is ignoring, running around desperately to people saying "people please listen to me, lets not give Kurdistan their independence otherwise ill commit suicide"

June 24, 2014 at 11:20 am |

aqua

Perhaps the Western Europe and ANZAC haven't learn its lesion. When the subject is coming to Turks shores its better for you to just stay away. We got this! We know exactly how to stay steadfast and guard our territorial integrity.

my opinion on this has evolved in the last weeks.I think, as others have stated here that actually live there..that there should be 3 states and a joint council for some matters..it is said that the one nation was an artificial setup of statehood by outsiders of other nations and they are too diverse in their own ways to want to meld..in a strange way, this , if properly handled and the US not push our wishes on them, could actually become a stabilizing factor as an end result..in everyone getting what they want...as long as one faction isn't delusional and want it all..cause it wont happen.

to the Kurds..its a far cry , today, from the time when your people were stranded on the side of hills, with no food,no shelter and not even water and the journalists came with cameras to show the world what saddam had done...just people sitting on the hillsides, desolate and abandoned...
and now..........................you sit on the edge of greatness to come......

The Kurds seem like the only people who have it together, and they have been deprived of self governance by many of the governments in the area, including Turkey. Why should it be ok for Russians to implant their people in Ukraine and than have them vote for self-determination and not for the Kurdish people to self govern on land that is historically Kurdistan? I hope they succeed.

If someone doesn't know the region very well would think what you folks are wishing and cheering up as bunch of cheer leaders, but
that's not that easy as you are trying to sound like. The reality is harsh just face it.

Mr. Masoud is absolutely correct; it is time for a free and independent Kurdistan. We the Kurds are the largest stateless in the world, well over 30 million that are spread across Syria, Iran, Iraq and Turkey. We have struggled too much, for too long, we just like any other nation in the world want justice and freedom! Long live Kurdistan, bishet Barzani!!

Aqua, you are just too scared that we might take Kurdistan part back from Turkey. well, let me tell you this soon or later after declaring independence, we will rejoin all FOUR parts of Kurdistan 🙂 this includes Turkey. so chill. 🙂

June 24, 2014 at 11:28 am |

jullxx

WHO??? KURDS WHOM LIVING IN TURKIYE THEY DONT LIKE THE YOUR BAD KURDS YOUR LEADER BABY KILLER OCALAN :)))))) DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY.....THEY DONT EVEN KNOW YOU.....WE ARE HAPPY TO LIVING TURKIYE WITH TURKS :))))) WE DONT KNOW A KURD LIKE BABY KILLER OCALAN AND THEIR KILLER TERORISTS :)))))) SORRY.....AWAKE YOU A DREAM.....NO KURDISTAN :)))))))) ...HAVE NICE DREAM :)))))

Just make the declaration of Independence – don't wait for permission from us in the U.S. Be sure to include a draft Bill of Rights, including freedom of Speech, Religion and Press. The U.S. and the West wouldn't dare say you must stay in Iraq at that point, and it would be embarrassing for us not to recognize your legitimate government. Good luck!

I hope the US and western countries support the kurdish people to have their own country and let them vote in a referendum .We kurdish people have right to determine our destiny and future like all humans and nations on this planet we being killed gazed massacred by successive Iraqi leaders and governments .If US and western powers can not and would not change the mind of Arab backwards by force and democracy how we Kurds can change them to be tolerant to respect minorities let them take their Qura'n to desert and take it back to the land its belonging we don't need it no their quran ,prophet or culture

America is a close Kurdish ally, but opposes independence for the region. The Kurdish people is the one who is supposed to determine their destiny and no one else. The United States has been a true friend and the Kurds have shown that they deserve that friendship.

But when one Googles ‘US turns screw on Iraq’ we find that, in November 2002, the George W Bush administration, in its desperation to secure Turkish participation to get the Iraq war over more quickly and minimise the damage to others, hinted at economic aid to compensate Turkey, backing its bid to join the European Union, and promised the US “will not tolerate an independent Kurdish state being created in northern Iraq”. So much for an American President’s public vow to spread democracy in the region.

president Massoud Barzani exactly explained the real situation in Iraq. what happen now in Iraq is considered sectarian war between shia and Sunni. the Nri Maliki is responsible for this because he has Monopolized all power and he have deprived the Sunni and kurds from participating the power in baghdad. he has pursue the sectarian policy by direct support from Tehran.

It is my ever biggest dream to have my Iraqi passport changed to a Kurdish one! That must be the case one day. Kurds are ready to pay whatever price it costs! The world has got to admit that Kurdistan is NOT Iraq!

They run their autonomous region well and democratically, their military is well trained and disciplined, and they would be a moderate, pro-Western, forward thinking state. I think an independent Kurdistan, which was promised almost a century ago after the Great War, should at last be realized.

Hopefully, not only will the Iraqi Kurds become independent, but also Syria, Iran and Turkey will cede parts of their territory to help establish a stable, democratic and peaceful nation of Kurdistan. The people have been waiting patiently and they deserve their own country.

I think you mean (Jose), but if you did some research instead of reciting what bedside story Ataturk read to you then you would know there is a Kurdistan that was spilt into 4 by France and England in the early 20s

It is time for independence! We have dreamt of it from our childhood and many have tried and died in the struggle for a free Kurdistan! It is a step towards freedom. We have a population which is more than 40m, that deserves to have to have a country of its own. Once South Kurdistan claims independence the rest will follow no matter in whose interest it is. It is a reality they have to accept, just like Turkey accepted it.

I am living in England but I returned to kurdstan recently to defend kurdstan and it's people from the Arab nationalists and terrorists and no matter how far we are apart we defend this land by our heart and blood

Iam as a kurd seeking for my right which is separating from Iraq. we are not Iraqi, we do not want it. we want to be free like the rest of the other countries all around the world. it is our right. USA and UN should help us to get our right.

to the kurds who are talking, what about the bickering between the PDK &PUK. I remember visiting the cities; each one more arrogant than the other. This space is land-locked and neighbors who are more than willing to come & defeat you. Inshallah the USA will not permit this Kurdistan crap. Iraq will remain Iraqi and Erbil will remain Erbil- not this Hawlare word.

We are Kurds, we are not Arab, Turkish, Persian. those who claim that Iraq will be divided then think why? and the answer is because Kurdistan is the land of Kurds..and this land has been invaded by force, we have not come from overseas to invade this land..it is our country where we have lived in for thousands of years...

By it's true name? The true name is Nineveh. Sorry to say but unfortunately Kurds have been stronger and smarter than the indeginous people of Iraq, the Assyrians. If anyone have been neglected and tortured it has been us, the Assyrians. Kurds have been systematically destroying all our artifacts and evidence of our existence for years and years. Just look at videos online how they are destroying these priceless ancient artifacts that were from a time LONG before kurdistan ever was a "thing" so please don't tell me it is time to call it by it's "true" name Kurdistan. Please do not think that I am trying to fight with anyone but I am sick and tired of how we are being systematically erased by the kurds. that was my two cents and i am out. Love and respect! Josef "BirBir"

June 25, 2014 at 10:13 pm |

kurdo

you crap Arabs beheading each other its disgusting to call Arabs human .Islam and Arabs destroyed all the civilization of the middle est

A united Iraq after sadam seems to be impossible. Let the aspirations of its component people then make way for peace in the region, That way atleast they cannot blame the other for their decisions, or destiny.

Jerk, United IRAQ is more better than divided IRAQ. How could you cooperate in divided IRAQ if you cannot on united IRAQ. Please stop playing politics and behave like a matured leader. LEARN TO LIVE AND LET PEOPLE LIVE.

Tribes war has been in the past and becoming fashion again. very sad to iraq People got to suffer again. All those who love Iraq should wait for the Government has to prepare to fight back. There are still plenty of chances to reunited.

This is not the right way to break up country in pieces and known as small nations. Small nations can enjoy earth resources for the time being but can not progress in Science, Technology and can't have big industrial set up etc. After some time they will be dependent and will seek help of foreign powers. In other way they will lose their independence.

There need patch up differences, Kurds and Sunnis are of same belief and near about same culture, living side by side with each other since centuries. No any nation dropped by God from sky. All are humans and equal to each other.

There need Kurds and Sunni Arabs try patch up differences and in second phase they should sit with Shiite group and agree on equal rights and share in government. They all should know that after dividing and being small nation they will lose their prestige and respect. Kurds are not being deprived by Arabs and have brotherly relations.

You apparently have not heard of a small country called Israel which has the most advanced technology and the most powerful military in the Middle East. Or Singapore which has the most advanced technology and the highest standard of living in South East Asia.

The Kurdish leader elect must be unaware of the democracy which has been installed by the USA ?!
I though everything was OK. Everyone's happy and living in peace ?
Isn't that why uncle Sam spent millions of $$$ there ?

I reckon we have sacrificed enough with gazing and killing 10.000 Kurds and Anfal campaign which claimed over 182.000 lives and destruction of over 4.000 villages , injuring thousands ,rapping hundreds of women in the had of Saddams thugs . In addition to discrimination and ill treatment against the whole Kurdistan nation and treating them as second hand citizen if not third . This campaign of genocide against humanity can not and should not go on and every peace loving and ethical person should stand by Kurds for achieving there full right to independence .Time has come for Kurds to see the light at the end of the tunnel

you all lack of knowledge and history there has never never been country called Kurdistan nor a government all it started from jypsy mountain people from orient immigrated for century to region settled in iraq iran turkey and breeded like sarden took over ather native nation specialy the Christian Assyrian and claimed ohh its Kurdistan u people read history have u heard of any kurd 20 years ago hardly have u heard any Christian Assyrian/ Babylonian this is the land for Assyrian from starting of history not the jypcy murdered mllion of Christian beside Turkish for generation wake up wake up people the land is belong to Christian Assyrian .god bless my arm nation Assyrian.

I thought so figured no disput of what I said no chalnge either the troghtis the trought wanna attention go ahead write some thing in trought not just to get attention here I heard some kurds saying even kurdistand extend to all Europe and UK omg lol how dump dump are they jypcy lol

I thought so figured no disput of what I said no chalnge either the troghtis the trought wanna attention go ahead write some thing in trought not just to get attention here I heard some kurds saying even kurdistand extend to all Europe and UK omg lol how dump dump are they jypcy

President Barzani is speaking from the heart of the great majority of Kurdistanis. Mr Kerry's request for President Barzani to work for keeping Iraq together is to the wrong person at a wrong time. All knows very well that Kurdistan was on its own after the fall of Saddam and decided to work on rebuilding Iraq on terms that it can last and it does not become a menace for its neighbours and the world. The mentality of those on the other side of their borders did not allow it and will never allow it. Briton and America, the fathers of democracy if I am allowed to call them, should know very well that a strong central Iraqi government run by a dictator with all the resources under their belt, will become the father of many other 9-11s in the future. The Kurds have paid a maximum price in their past history and they will be a fool if they allow history to repeat on them. The only other explanation for pressing a strong unified Iraq with a dictator in Baghdad means that the western powers want a mess in the area for other benefits.

The Kurds are a nation with their own cultures and history. When Kurds been in power 3000 years ago the Arabs didn't know about Politics and civilisation which still can see it.

Here a question to CNN about the interpreter who translated the President Barzani speech into English as he was not the right person with sufficient understanding of English language in regards to translate the speech of President Masoud Barzani on such a important Issue.

I recognize your right and your destiny becoming your own state and with the compassion and decency you have exhibited in your words about this........................now,don't break my heart....be inclusive. honorable. I have said all along since this began. Let the Kurds lead...........again...don't break my heart. Show the world what the middle east should have been all along, if only you were able to represent it.

You are the best president Barzani , you are our great father our leader our heart and our blood. i am sure every Kurdish individuals are completely agree with you. we are proud of you the great father. .......... life and death for you

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